L/BRARy OF 



CONGRESS 



016 103 2371''''"'^ 



THE 



AN EQUESTRIAN iVlELO-DRAftlA, 
IN TWO ACTS. 

As performed at the JVew^York Theatre. 



BY JOHN SAVILL FAUCIT, 

Juthor of The 3Iilleb'8 Maid^ Jvstjcs, Sfc. &*f . 



KEW-'YORK: 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED AT THE 

(iircxdatins, Library and Dramatic Repository, 

NO. 4 CHAMBER-STREET, 
1323, 



T£'^ 



r" 



fi: 



DRAMATfS PERSONiE. 
NEW-YORK. 



Araxa^ 

Assad, . - - 

Ismael,.the Governor, 

Hyder, 

Abbas, 

Sali, - 

Nasrod, - - - 

Duban, 

Hindo©, - 

Soldier, 

Dimdim, a Chinese,. 

Zaphyra, 

Zobeide, 

Camilla, 

Guards, Slaves, 



Mr. Simpson. 
Foot, 
woodhull. 
Blythe. 
Phillips. 
Bancker. 

RiTCHINGSv 

Wheatly. 
Rogers. 

Nexsen. 

COVVELL. 

- Mrs. Tatnall. 
Miss Johnson. 

- Mrs. Battersby. 
Ladies, &c. 



TMPS2-008874 



THE SECRET MINE. 



ACT I.— SCENE I. 

d mde River with a Triangular Bridge over ity S^c. 

Zobeide is discovered — she is kissing her hand to somebody 
on the opposite side, 

Zob. Good bye ! make haste I there he 
goes — what can my father have sent him to the 
Governor so soon this morning for ? [descends. 

Enter Assad. 

Why, father, We are up almost before the 
sun ; and, by my faith, I suspect you hav'n't 
slept to-night. 

Assad. Not much, 'tis true, daughter — a dear 
friend, and a very dear one too, has kept me 
waking. I wanted to surprise you child ; but 
'tis vain to try to keep a secret from a female* 

Zob. A secret ! pray, pray, tell it. 

Assad. My pupil, my brave boy, my dear 
Araxa returns to-day. 

Zob. Ah, father! do tell me something of 
your first finding Araxa. I always suspected you 
knew more about him than you would own. 

Assad. All I know is, that at twelve years 
old, Anxa was made prisoner, that he belonged 
to an innocent tribe of Hindoos, and was pre- 
served in hopes of extorting from him the Secret 
of the Mine, 



4 SECRET MINE. [FaUClt. 

Zob. Ah ! then it must have been in that 
great battle, when I was too young to 

Assad. Briefly, I'll tell thee child ; Araxa*s 
tribe dwell near our Persian borders, they pos- 
sess a valuable Mine of precious rubies ; they 
posjsess too a spirit to defend their own ; for 
when our Government determined to explore 
and leize on their wealth, our Generals met 
with so little respect that 

Zob. That you came back without the ru- 
bies, Father. 

Assad. We did indeed ; and being reinforced, 
were ordered to exterminate the Horde. -^ 
Araxa, (the Rajah's favorite page, as he descri- 
bed himself) clung to the dying chief, and 
though my orders were, on pain of death, to 
spare nor old nor young, 1 lorgot my duty as 
a soldier, and and 

Zob. And Allah has blessed you for it ever 
since. 

Assad. I saved Araxa, detached him from 
his bleeding sovereign, (to whose remains I 
gave a decent tomb,) and brought him to my 
dwelling. 

Zob. And did he father, did he ever disclose 
it ? oh ! I should like to know where the 
rubies are. 

Assad. For years he has resisted threats, 
promises, rewards, and every means we 
have employed ; inflexible and firm he 
scorns them all ; will fight for Persia, and her 
sacred laws, but die with rapture ere he 
betray his country 

Zob. But he loves the daughter of our Go- 
vernor, and she, rejecting Nasrod, they say. 



ACT I.] SECRET MINE. 5 

loves him ; would not a hope of gaining her 
prevail ? 

Assad. That also has been tried ; the Go- 
vernor, to prove his constancy, sent him some 
twelve morths back, to fight our foes upon the 
Caspian shore, from whence he new returns a 

conqueror. (^Shouts) I hear him in - 

prepare oar humble dwelling. 

[Zoheide runs into the house. 
Enter Araxa — he rushes into the arms of Assad. 

Ara. My second father ! my friend ! my 
benefactor ! 

Assad. My glorious boy ! your fame outruns 
your footsteps ; my aged heart glows with a 
warmer feeling, and hails with rapture your 
return triumphant. 

Ara. Speak not of me— but say, how fares 
Zaphyra ? (with extacij) she, tor whom alone I 
live, she, who in battle, still nerved ray arm--- 
is her afl'ection still the same ? 

Assad. She and her father are alike un- 
changed ; Ismael is still determined to obtain 
your secret, or spite of all your service to the 
state, to send you forth abandoned to the de- 
sert. 

Ara. Why,t)e it so ! cast me to the Jungle, 
^nd let the tigers tear me limb from limb, but 
never let me do a deed that will betray my 
country, and bring destruction on my native 
home ! 

Assad. Prepare for instant trial of your firm- 
ness ; Ismael, the Governor, comes forth to 
lead you with all honour to the Citadel ; think 
what you hazard by abrupt refusal. 

Ara, [ know my sole alternative is loss of 
A 2 



t» SECRET MINE. [Faucit. 

fame or love ; but there is hope, my father,! 
fro^n honourable stratagem ; such stratagem 
as e'en a soldier might approve ! 

[Trumpets at a distance, over the Bridge. \ 

Assad. Hark ! the Governor approaches. 

Ara. All-gracious powers! and with him 
comes Zaphyra ! 

Enter lsma.el, the Governor, and Zaphyra his daughter; 
attended by Persian Ladies, Oj/icers, Guards^ iS"c. the 
whole forming a grand procession. 

Ism. Young warrior, by our Emperor's 
order I greet your safe return, and am come 
t<^ offer such reward your services demand. 

Ara. One only boon 1 ever asked, Ismael, 
and that gift is thtne. [Looking passionately at 
Zaphyra, whose eyes are cast down. 

Ism. What says my child ? Zaphyra remem- 
ber — Nasrod, an officer of high account still 
seeks your hand. [Aside. 

Zap. Dear father ! wrir>g not from a timid 
maid a secret before the man who least of all 

should hear it — my father knows my heart 

[Araxa kneels and takes her hand. 

Ism. 'Tis well ! then for the last time the 
touchstone of affection shull be tried — " The 

Secret of the Mine" [Araxa starts.] Why 

that sudden start ? 

Ara, Ungenerous man ! why drive me to 
despair! when Persia broke her bounds, and 
po'jred her myriads on my heljiless country- 
men, she drove them from their happy homes 
to seek for shelter in the barren njountains ; 
there, innocent and unoffending they remnin, 
and >iifie every thought of just revenge ; and 
would you make me a firebrand to illume llie 
path of those whose sordid thirst of gain would 
onc8 more desolate my native land ? 



ACT I.] SECRET MINE. 7 

Ism. Thy treatment, youth, might have de- 
served language of less reproach. 

Ara. True, you taught nie to be a soldier, 
when boyish fancy eagerly imbibed the daz- 
zling promise of a future fame. Habit has made 
a soldier's life my pride — how can I then turn 
traitor to my country, and lift the sword of ho- 
nourable warfare against the hearts of those 
who gave me birth ? 

Isnu iso sacrifice like ibis do we demand — 
Your frifjndjj are p:-i>ioral, nor want what we 
so much desire. Yield but the Mine, and 

Ara. But the Mine ! Think not the glitter- 
ing dross th;'.t it contains, weighs as a feather 
with my humble race — willin-:ly would they 
and 1 transport its every gem to Per<iia'« court 
could that suffice ; but the mine itself — It is the 
secret pass which leads you to their homes, 
their only refuge in the hour of danger, it is 
their barrier, their defence — surrender that ! 

Oh, never, never! By Allah, here I swear 

[kneeh'7tg. 

Zap. Hold, Araxa! for my Sake, hold--yet 
Ihink not for an instant I advise 

Ism. No more, Zaphyra ! For his pertina- 
'^ious silence where he could serve tiie state in 
tenfold way, be he for ever I anished trom your 
Jove, as now I banish him from Persia. Away ! 

Ara. Stay, one instant slay ! as this is fwr 
the most important moment of my life, grarit 
me a little pause ; to part with Zaphyra is 
worse than death ; to betray my country is--- 

Zaph. Be tirm, Araxa ! Let no selfish thought 
obtrude; why do I dare avow my love ? be- 
cause that love is founded on respect. Betray 
your country, and the superstructure raised by 
your virtues in this heart, is sunk for ever ! 



8 ^ SECRET MINE. [Faucit. 

Ism. (^Enraged) To the fortress ! [Addresses 
Araxa) Yet hold, we grant you till to-morrow's 
dawn tor your resolve, that expired, the secret 
not divulged, death is your punishment if seen 
in Persia. March ! 

The Frocessiun retires y Assad flnrf Araxa Exeunt. 

SCENE II.— Interior of Assad's Hut. 
Elite L' Assad and Araxa. 

Assad. Be comforted, my child ; it is indeed 
a base return for all your services ; but still 
you find Zaphyra loves you ; let that a little 
palliate the father's harshness. 

Ara. Oh ! it more than compensates for 
every ill. I saw with joy her expressive eye, 
I heard with rapture her benignant voice. No 
little word that dropped from her but marked 
indelibly on my heart ; still it is a hard alter- 
native to betray my country or give up my 
Zaphyra ! but love inspires me to untie this 
tangled knot ; and I will obtain her. Nor love, 
nor honour blush to own the means. Mark me, 
good Assad ; 1 still remember well the secret 
path which leads to the retreat of my dear coun- 
trymen, and often (unknown even to you) have 
J already visited their abode. They love me, 
they will espouse my cause, and help to gain 
Zai)hyra. 

Assad. Ah ! by ft»rce ? Remember, boy, old 
Assad is a Persian, has sworn allegiance to his 
Monarch, and 

Ara. By stratagem, not by force ; Assad may 
trust me ; when 1 am gone from hence, two 
hours before the sun declines, tell Ismael I 
repent ; bid him despatch a chosen band to the 
four rocks, north of the Citadel, where the 



ACT I,] SECRET MINE. 9 

aged Palm-tree stands by a lonely cavern ; 
there Til meet, and conduct them to the Mine- 

Assad. Araxa, I tremble — yet that look as- 
sures me ; 1 will obey you, and be punctual. 

Ara. With swiftest horse I must away ; for I 
have many, many miles to journey — nay, have 
no fears ; my next return will he indeed a tri- 
umph-t-'twill be to claim my bride, my loved 
Zaphyra ! [Exeunt. 

Enter Zobeide. 
Zoh. So, this day, which was to be happiest 
of our lives, is likely to be the most miserable. 
Well, this comes of love, and there's no hel|>ing 
it — Oh how my Dimdim loves me ! and how 
dearly 1 love Dimdim 1 he's so beautiful ! Love, 
they say, is blind, but mine is not so ; for 
Dimdim has a graceful form, sparkling eyes, 
and every feature lovely as his mind; to be 
sure he is a slave, and of a nation we Persians 
hold in no esteem ; but as to his being a Chi- 
nese, that's his misfortune ; and for his servi- 
tude, why love himself is a slave as well as Dim- 
dim. No, 1 can find no good reason against 
loving my pretty Dimdim. 

SONG; 

My father finds many strong reasons, I vow 

Why I should not marry mj lover, [now,'* 
-' Too young, and too short, and too poor 1 ani 
Which are things i could never discover. 

But I'm sure in the end, 

Of my youth i shall mend, 

And if now I'm too low, 

I'm yet likely to grow ^ 

And it is not, that's sure. 

Any sin to be poor. 



10 SECRET MINE. [FaUClt. 

Tho' the great at our poverty rally, 
And yet I am told, 
On the Mountain 'tis cold, 
Tho' we've sunshine below in the valley. 
My lover, they tell me, has faults I can't see, 

Tho' I gaze on him all the day long, 
*' Too old, and too tall, and too poor he's for me," 
But my friends are most ceitamly wrong ; 
For his years are not more, 
Above mine than a score ; 
Tho' he's tall, he is smart, 
And I'm high as his heart, 
And of happiness sure. 
For love smiles on the poor, 
Tho' the great at our humble lot rally ; 
But the Mountains all snow, 
Look cold from below. 
While you've sunshine and love in the valley. 
Zob, Ah, here he comes ! The long walk he 
has had to the Governor's seems to have tired 
him ; but still to my mind he is beautiful as 
ever. 

Enter Dimdiin, pale and forlorn^ he tcnJks very slowy and 
peeps about for Assad, ^//e leads him forward. 

Zob. Take courage, Dimdim, you have no- 
thing to fear from me. 

Dim. I don't know that. 

Zob Am I not always kind to you ? 

Dim. Very. 

Zob. Then, why do you fear. 

Dim. I can't tell — I am your father's slave, 
and your humble servant. He bastinadoes my 
feet of a morning, and you put love in my head 
of an afternoon ; but for all that I'm miserable. 

Zob. Perhaps 'tis our cold climate that affects 



ACT I.] SF.CRKT MINE. H 

j^oii ; your looks convince me of it; your face 
is pale, your nose is pinched. 

Dim. Your father did that to-day, because I 
was so slow ; something had vexed him ; I was 
vexed to see it, and he beat me for being out of 
temper. 

Zob. But, do you love me, Dimdim ? 

Dim. 1 believe so ; that is, 1 lay down at 
night with as much love as a Chinese can feel ; 
but alas ! your father is sure to beat it out of me 
at my rising ; love is a tender passion, and de- 
lights not in blows, let them be ever so well 
laid on. 

Zob. My father is passionate, I own, dear 
Dimdim ; but he's always sorry when it's over. 

Dim. There's the difference---rm glad when 
it's over, and sorry when it begins. I do wrong, 
1 confess, sometimes on purpose, in hope he 
may let me go, for he says, he'll never keep 
a slave that isn't clever ;. and he's too good to 
sell 'em ; but I can't get him to part with me, 
and lose all my time in bewailing my utility. 

Zob. If I could persuade him to give you 
liberty 

Dim. Why then if I could persuade my fa- 
ther, Horn Ma Ge, Bom Ma Ge to agree to it, 
I would marry you directly ; but 1 dare not 
take you to my own country ; the women are so 
beautiful ! then, such little eyes sunk in their 
heads, cheek-bones, rising like pagodas, shins 
varnished like pantiles, and complexions that, 
for colour, rival gold. Now, your cheeks are 
mere natural red and white, your nose is long 
and strait, and your feet are only lit to walk on, 

Zob. Wouldn't you. have me walk, Dimdim ? 



12 SECRET MINE. [FaUClt. 

Dim. To be sure not ; a Chinese woman 
wouli) as soon think of flyini^. 

Zob. Well, Diradim, Til do all I can to make 
up for my want of beauty. But, now, give me, 
another lesson in your language ; for I admire 
the simplicity of its expressive monosyllables, 
and long to become mistress of it. 

Dim. Do you remember what I have already 
taught you ? ^ 

Zcb. Oh yes, every word. 

Dim. Well, now 1 shall hear that. 

DUET. 

/)/m. When ladies on a visit meet, 

And tott'ring trip with cripplM (eet^ 
Their compliments to me repeat, 

And what say they 1 

Zob. Tong Go Ning Nang Ho Whang Tong 
Bo He Te Ho Su Shong, 
ShoShoNan Ring Chu Hi Hi 
Man Da Rin YJ Fu Lo Hi. 

Dim. Clever little pupil, that's the way. 

Both. Ching a Ring, Ting a Ring, Nang, Nang, 
- Uey ! 

Dim. When tender lovers fondly woo, 

Zob. Aye, just as you and I may do, 

Dim. Soft nonsense passing 'twixt the two. 

What said they ? 

Zob. Oh! oh I ah me I he! he! 

Dim. Stay ! 

That's what your Persian lovers say. 

Zob^ Your pupil tliere you mustn't blame. 
In every tongue true love's the same. 

Dim, Clever little pupil, then we may 

Both. Sing Ching a Ring, &ic. 



ACT I.] SECRET MINE. l3 

Zob. Now teach me what kiiul words are said 
When sweethearts such as we get wed, 
And wben poor spousy she's gone dead, 
Wh;>t is't you say ? 
Dim. Ching a Ring^ Ting a Ring, &e. 
Both, Ching a Ring, kc. [Exeunt. 

SCENE III. 

Interior of l?te country— ^n stupendous Rock perforated 
in many places^ and thickly int'Tspersed with Mountain 
shrubbery, nnderwood, and wild trees of Asiatic character. 
Araxa enters cautiously^ and in agitation; looks fre- 
quently round in every direction to see whether he is discO' 
vered ; at length he presses a part of the Rock, it recedes 
inwardly, furmini; alow recess, which he is obliged to enter 
on his hands and knees; the stone concealing the opening, 
is placed as if by him, on the inside of the aperture; he 
i> afterwards seen through various fissures of the Rock, 
and at certain openings in the shrubbery, ii.c. as if ascending 
a dHJicult winding stair-cast ir. the interior ; after he has 
keen observed near the top, the scene draws off, and dis- 
covers 

SCENE IV. 

The interior of a vast cavtrn, where scattered parfirlps 
of ore, and veins of brilliant colours are predominant ; in 
many inequalities of the rock above, and near the front are 
}<een sarne men laying down, others feeding. Araxa is seen 
roming through the top of the Mine, and at last drops—- 
Abbas and Diiban, by command of Il^dcr, drag himfor- 
icard, and jvith uplifted dagi^ers are prepared to strike ; 
he removes the robe from before him, takes arinf^frotn his 
bosom, ichirh he holds up. 

All. *Tis the Ritph ! (^Bugles soinid.) {Then 
dismount and kneel before liiin. The liorses when 
left, lie doivn itfiain in their respective stations.) 

Ara. Friends, brothers, countrymen ; in- 
quire notAvhy this unexpected visit — 1 cannot, 
dare not tarry — time is too transient, and 'ere 
my panting steed regain hi» breath, 1 must 
r-vav. 



14 SECRET MINE. [FaUCJt. 

Ab. Again! Son of our murdered Ryjnh ; 
what charm attracts you to the men of other. 
cHmes, when we, your subjects, brothers, and 
your friends, with knees of reverence, open 
arms and hearts, are ready to receive you. 

[all kneel but Ilyder, 

Ara. Soon shall I return to repay your kind- 
nes.s : now, much more than life depends 
upon my speed, (^seeinir Hyder.) hut why seems- 
one alone of all my friends cold and reserved? 
Hyder has ever been my first and dearest 
friend ; to him I've delegated power to govera 
and protect my countrymen, (hen vvhat offence 
have I unuillinoly comufitted ? why this hostile 
mark of his displeasure ? 

Hyd. If to be jealous of my nation''s honour^ 
and watch suspiciously the acts of those, who 
find a solace in the lap of Persifin encmics^ 
he an offence, Araxa must allow a little latitu^ 
to honest prejudices, and pardon Hyder, whose 
laneducaied mind prefers his native home and 
freedom to all the travelled slaves the world 
can boast. 

Ab. Myder, forbear these tanr)(s, Araxa's 
mild sway deserves them not. l]iit, deniest 
Prince, why prefer an hnn»ble station with our 
Persian foes, to reiL^iiing over us your loyal 
subjects ? 

Arfi. When first 1 fell into the Persian's j)()W'- 
er, 1 mourned a bleediug father — your sove- 
reign Rnjah. My l>irth mikisown, nurtured in 
Assad's lowly dwelling, the lovely Zaphyra 
used oft to if)quire alter the poor Hindoo hoy ; 
soothed by the voice of pity, I raisi^d ray grate- 
ful eyes and met ray doom — cieep in my heart 



ACT I.j SECRET MINE. • 15 

her image sunk ; for her alone I've lived, 
prouder far to be her slave, than Monarch of 
ihe universe. 

Hyd. Then why not at once resi2:n the go- 
vernment you so despise, enjoy your foreign 
charms, and leave us all content with home and 
liberty ? 

Ara. Because my people wish me to return ; 
because Hyder's harsh sway convinces me how 
few are fit to govern — but chiefly that 1 may 
bring among you my fair Zaphyra, whose 
bright example will ornament my throne, and 
spread an universal blessing on my country ! 

Dub. For your sake, Prince, we all shall love 
her. 

All. We shall we shall bring her I 

let us see her ! 

Ara. Kind, generous countrymen ! from you 
I must obtain her, from you I come to ask 

Ah. What ? speak, Araxa ! speak — our steeds, 
our swords are all that we possess ; they are 
already yours. 

Ara. Brethren, I ask but some of those bright 
baubles, which chance has bedded in your lone 
retreats ; {they start) to you who value not 
these gewgaw nothings, and prize no gem but 
what the heart contains, to you it will seem 
strange the finer world should set a store on 
glittering trash like this, and for a shining toy 
to deck a finger, coldly doom a nation to the 
sword say, do my friends comply ? 

All. All ! all ! 

Ab. With all Araxa condescends to ask. 

Ara. Haste then, my friends, collect such 
fragments of this mine, as promise most aglit- 



16 S^:^KET MINE. [KaucJt. 

tering harvest, convey to the Palm-tree Cavern, 
and there deposit all your cumbrons loads deep 
in the earth ; it is the dowry for my bride, 
whom nou' with lightning's speed I fly lo claim. 
[Hyder Ti-ithJwhh assoit, and bij his action seems 
dissatisfied. 

Ab. What more can we do for our chief? 
command tis to the charge, and we will sweep 
these treacherous Persians from the earth ! 

.Ura. Their power and discipline raise them 
above your threats ; yet let some scouts remain 
at every station in the secret way, that when 
ray lovely bride shall share my t^ight, you may 
await my signal, and assist us. Now then, away ! 
Farewell. [Ahisic n:kilc he takes leave — some on 
horseback and some on foot disappear above^ 
belo'Ji\ and in all directions. Hyder by his gesr- 
fures still shori>ing his displeasure. 

SCENE V.—^ Hallinlsmaers House. 

Enter Ismael, vbUIi Zaphyia, in tears. 

Jsrn, Shame upon this weakness ! this wan- 
derer, whose cause you dares espouse against 
your lather, nay against your King 

Zap. When Kings can sacritice their subjects' 
henour and force their Ministers to acts of ty- 
ranny, 'twere better^far to be that outcast wan- 
derer than agent of 

Ism. Silence ! 'tis well a father's ear alone 
absorbs such treason. 

Zap. Treason ! woe to the Monarch who so 
designates the voice of truth ! not so our sove- 
] eign ; to his feet I'll lly, implore him for 
Araxa, boldly tell him how much he wrongs 
the honour of a youlh, who must not-^cannot 
yield to such disgrace. 



ACT I.] SECRET MIXE. 17 

ism. 'Tis well you may be spared this hope- 
less errand ! I am just informed by Assad, that 
Araxa, for your sake, not for mine, will tell the 
long-sought secret ; nay more, my mesengers 
are now gone forth to meet and prove the 
youth's sincerity ; on their return, your fate 
and his depend. 

Zap. Araxa sealed our fate, when he betray- 
ed his country ; can he at once turn traitor"? 
no, my father, not even in appearance ! the 
wicked may put virtue's semblance on, but vir- 
tue scorns the very garb that falsehood wears. 

Ism. Romantic folly I but mark, behold my 
-messenger's return. 

Enter SaH. 

Now, Sali, the event. 

Sail. I have ont>!tript my fellows, mipjhty sir, 
to tell the glorious news — the Mineisour's! 
behold the speciniens tliat first were found (^pre- 
scnli?!^ a small box) and while I staid still 
fresh discovery pio'.ed Arasa had [)erforuied 
his splendid prouase. 

Ism. What says Zaphyra now ? let those 
(Uend nie who accompanied your search, that 
this may be conratned before I give Zaphyra's 
hand, or send these tidings to the Emperor. 

Zr/p. Araxa false to honour ! would this heart 
couid as tirmiy banish his remembrance, as 
from this hour 1 reject his love. [2 wo Persian 
offic'xs enter rs-'ith brilliant specimens of the sup- 
posed Mine — Zaphyra sknzas sorroni and indig- 
nation — the Governor eagerli/ examines them. 

Ism. (£0 Sali.) So near our borders too ? 

Sali. indeed, 'tis strange a source so rich 
should hitherto have escaped us ! at first, we 
F ': 



ili ihCKLT MINE. [FaUclt. 

doubted, but the marks were left of recent visits 
from the Hindoos ; brilhant, veins pervading 
massy particles of rock presented to our view 
treasures which biit increase with our re- 
doubled toil. 

IsjH. Where is Araxa ? 

Sail. At hand with Assad, waiting your deci- 
sion. 

Ism. Admit him. 

Enter Araxa and Assad. 

Now Araxa sliall have proof that Isjjiael can 
be grateful ; rny child is your's — expect her 
not so kind as when against my will she loved 
you; perverseness is a woman's privilege: 
bear in these treasures ; [exit the two oj/iccrs] 
and Sali, do you, with all magnilicence an'! 
mirth, hasten to celebrate the briiial day oj" 
Ismael's daughter with the brave Araxa. [Exii 
Sali ; Asaad einbraces ,'h^axa, and goes ojf with 
the Governor ; Araxa jtarjully approaches Za- 
phyra — she is going from him — he catches hold of 
iier robe, and kneels 



Ara, Will Zaphyra not look at me ? will she 
urihcard condemn me ? 

Zo6. What should 1 hear? traitor in every 
evnse, have you not violated your sacred vow • 
iiaveyou not betrayed your country ? 

Ai'ff. Oh, never, never ! at such a price, 
Zaphyra, even Zaphyra would he too dearly 
])urcliased — harbour not a rnomcul such uiiju";' 
susjVccion. 

Zap. Unjust I is it unju^it ? i-^ my AuxA'^r 
lioiiour still uneuliicil .' iiuw tiavo you dec.'.ivei! 
my father and iii>; people ? J.aclo^e the niysiei-} 
ia thy Zaphyra. 

.:]ra,. i'ime uill not nov, ;»c!mil in fwA^n'-r 



ACT I.] SECRET MINE. l9 

honour raust you fully tnisl — confide in that — 
impede not my ntiptials, for my life, my liberty 
depend on prompt obedience. 

Zap. Cold reason's dictates vanish before 
love's warmer impulse ; tiiere is my hand, my 
heart has loni; been thine; on thee, and on 
thine honour, 1 do fully trui^t ; Araxa, traitor, 
could be but Za][^>hyra's scorn — Araxa, loyal, 
shall be Zaphyra's lord. [Trumpets. 

Ara, Hark ! these joyful sounds announce 
the preparations for our nuplials. 

Enlcr Sali and an ojpccr. 
Sail. All hail to our natinjvs bcnefacior! all 
hail to the Discoverer of " The Secret Mine.*' 
The nuptial festival awaits your jiresence ; our 
Persian Amazons attend to greet you with their 
warlilie dance, and noble Ismael impatient 
waits to lead you to the radiant Shrine. [Ai-axa 
and ZapJiyra signifi, their satisfaction and they 
g-o 0^", as to the Ceremony. 

SCENE W.—The Shrine, 

tsmacl, the Iman, Araxa and Zaphyra enter, and fake 
t/icir seats ; ^-Iniazons enter, and perfuvtn a dance ^ when 
if is finished, Araxa and Zapsi^ ta are ltd up the Stage, 
and their hands are joined, 

Juis. (:viihoui'\ \Vhere, m here is the Gover- 
nor ? 

{Wrt.troJ rvshcsforxc(trd, holds vp a dispatch. 

Kas. Suspend the nijuriage ! 

[.'liioniahment rxpresstd by all. 

hni. Whht bold presumptuous slave dare thus 
intrude upon our hallowed pites ? 

AVf.<f. Mii^hty Ismael ! as I o'erlooked our 
Persians working at the spot, supposed to be the 
-Mine, and vainly toiling to discover trcasure-j 



2.0 SECRET MINE. [Faucit. 

too soon exhausted, a Hindoo of Araxa's tribe, 
rode swiftly towards us, aud scoffing at our use- 
less labours. — " Fools," said he, " why search 
for Mines in heaps of barren sand ? Would ye 
your master's honour save, this dispatch deliver 
before Araxa's marriage with Zaphyra." This 
said, he spurred his horse, and tied across the 
desert. 

[.rJraxa and Zaphyra express s^reat agitation. 

Ism. Nasrod, well I know thy love for Zaphy- 
ra, and jealous of Araxa's happiness, thou cotn'st 
to destroy 

J\\is. Read, mighty Sir, and be convinced. 

Ism. (Hastily breaks the seal and reads) " Is- 
"' mael, Araxa has deceived you — No Mine has 
" he discovered — "fis a deep-laid scheme to 
'' rob you of your daui^hter, who, once espou^*- 
" ed, will leave her fatiier's kingdom, to reiiii 
" with Araxa o'er the Hindoos of the Secret 
" Mine.'' — Signed '•'• A friendly Hindoo." — Can 1 
believe my sen^^es ? Araxa, can sucli perfidy 

Ara. Spare thy j-eproaches, hmael ; forced 
to choose 'twixt base dishonour, and the loss of 
my beloved Zitphyra, I sought by stratagem to 
obtain what your stern cruelly denied. 

Ism. (enraged) Audacious ! do you then con- 
fess your treachery l 

Zap. His steady p;iiriotism — }»is unshaken 

virtiie — hear, all ye Persian?, witnesses of thi;- 

ce re niony, before this full assembly I assert m\ 

lights, and claim Araxa for oiy lawful lord. 

[jli'a. and Zriph. rush into each other\s arnn 

Ism. Guards ! leiid that vile impostor to thf 
Fortress in the Rock — twelve hours are your'- 
—then, or a fail (iia.ovei-y of the Mine, or a 



ACT I.] SECRET MINE. 21 

dreadful torturing death Tear them asunder I 

[Struggle between the Persian Guards and Araxa, 
uho defends himself against them ; Ismael furi- 
ously assaults him ; Araxa is disarmed, and Is- 
mael is on the point of plunging his sword in 
his breast, when Zaphyra rushes between them^ 
and disarms her Father. — The Curtain drops to 
aGRAjXD TABLEAU! 

ACT II.— SCENE I. 

A Fortress constructed on the side, of a Rock, at the foot 
of which flows a river : Cannon are seen projecting from 
parts of the Rock, as if a subterranean fortification was 
fanned in it. In the front n strong grated toindow, under 
vihich is an iron door, having a rude recess on each side 
(to serve as sentry-boxes) and before it is a broad prac- 
ticable terrace, enclosed with a Chevaux- de-Frize, and 
further guarded by a wide fosse, ivhich separates it from a 
mountainous, military, and romantic country on the oppo- 
site side. 

Dimdiin enters, teith a Box. 

Dim. O, the ups and downs of this world ! 
that the great-grandson of a Mandarin, known 
from the mountain Fo to the river Whang Ho, 
Chief in the grand tribunals of Hou, Pou, Long 
Pou, Ping Pou, Li Pou, and Long Pou, pride of 
every ceremonious circle in the province of Ho 
Kan, should become a slave in Persia ; that my 
master on the very morning after his adopted 
son's wedding-day, should be disgraced, arrested, 
imprisoned, and that I, too insignificant to be sus- 
pected, should be left to seek my fortune ! Poor 
Zobeide ! now she's no longer my mistress, I 
begin to love her. If she's safe, I don't care a 
chopstick for myself — Eh ! by the head of the 
great Long Ching, I hear footsteps — but whither 
should I go, oppressed as I am with hunger, and 



22 SECRET MINE. [raucit. 

with love ? The sale of these trifles must grat- 
ify the one, and for the other I feel that sympa- 
thy can not fail conducting me to my ^ear Zo- 
beide. lExii. 

Enter Zobcidc 

Zob. What a sad change has so short a period 
made among us ! Araxa shut up in that dungeon j 
to suffer death in the morning, and his poor 
wife Zaphyra., fled, no one knoivs whither ; yet 
she can't be far off, for a stranger muffled up. 
just now gave me this letter in her hand- writ- 
ing, directed to Araxa — but how is he to get 
it ? he won't be suffered to walk on the terrace 
more than a quarter of an hour, and that just be- 
fore sun-set : this must be near the time, for it 
is getting dark. (^riGise without^ Oh ! the Pro- 
phet, what do I see ? my Dimdim in custody. 

Dimdiin is dragged on by a party of Soldiers. 

Dim. What have I done ? what law have I 
transgressed ? I am a helpless innocent youth, 
who has lost his master, lost his mistress, and if 
you frighten me much more, I shall lose myself. 

1st. Sol. How dare you approach the guard 
with so little ceremony ? 

Dim. Ceremony ! I was going to put my fore- 
hend three times to the ground, and lift my 
arms higher than my head, as prescribed by the 
complimentary academy of the great Fuoo Hi, 
when your Persian manners gave me a kick that 
would h;ive disgraced a Chinese tumbler. 

l5^ Sot. Don't you know it's forbidden to loi- 
ter near Araxa's prison ? what's your business ? 

Dim. I'm out of place, and obliged to live by 
my little ingenuity ; we Chinese are famous for 
it. 1 make and sell all these curiosities, (show- 



ACT II.] SECRET MINE. iiO 

ing his Box) (lancing men and spinning birdrii ; 
but they're meant for children of a smaller size 
than you. 

1st. Sol. Search the box ; should it contain 
implements of treachery, by Ali we'll make 
him dance and spin too, my comrades. [Sol- 
diers take Dhndim vp the Stage and rijle his Jicx. 

Zob. Pray, pray, good sirs, don't hurt Dim- 
dim, he is only a poor slave of my Talhcr's, who 
"*is trying ta get his living, while our house is in 
misforture. 

1st. Sul. My little Zobeide, is it you ? I knotv 
her well ; if she answers lor the fellow, you 
may let him go ; but what have you found in 
the box ? [Gues up to the Soldiers and helps to 
search. 

J Jim. (^conies forzcard) Thank you, Zobeide, 
a thousand times ; this kindness makes you as 
pretty as' a Chinese Venns ; I was just M'ishirig 
to see you, and thotight some sympaihetic cliarm 
would draw me to you. 

Zob. Well, and it has, Dimibm. 
D)j/i. Yes, by the col!;>r — Your Soldiers' 
synipalhies ;u'e not so refined as mine. 

Znb. Then, you have been thir.king of uv.', 
Dimdim. 

Dim. I've thought of notliing cl>e since we 
palled ; my love has so increased willt my ab 
»ence, that I c(iiihi alnjost eat you uj> uiih the 
voracity of a MiiUt liew Tartar ! 

Zuh. Nuk'ici I if 3 our love imjwoves so much 
upon ao^eul:e, it may have a contr.iry tendency 
when we live tt. get her ; and before a nionth 
passes over our heads you may hate n>e. ' 

Dim. Hate you ? unjust Zobeide 1 oh» do i 
iook like a woman-hater ? 



^^ SECRET ^II^'E. [Faucit. 

Zob. Now then, give me a proof of your love 
to the sex ; deceive those friends of yours, 
[pointing to the Soldiers) devise some phm to get 
this letter to Araxa ; he is at yonder grated 
window. 

Dim. What signify letters to him ? he's to die 
to-morrow, heigho, poor man ! married yester- 
day, die tc-morrow ! well his trouble* are soon 
over. 

Zoh. Your's hav'n't commenced yet ; and 
when they do, it sha'n't be my fault, if they 
don't last longer ; but come, 1 know you're full 
of ing.*nious tricks, can you compass the delive- 
ry of this letter ? 

Dim. Coiiipass ! {afier a pause) Which is the 
north ? 

Zob. Nonsense ; wh.it has that to do with it ? 

Dim. More than yen imagine ; the arrow 
pol'nts to"^?ards the north ; (folds it upland puts 
it into the urrooi\) I ar^? a Chinese Cupid, and 
will (iespatch loves message with my proper at- 
tribute. 

]st. Sol. Never saw such an unaccountable 
collection. 

Dim. (^^oinir up to Soldiers) Designed to in- 
struct, as well as amuse ; electricity and mag- 
netism, phosphorus, mercury, and inflammable 
air — we, Ciiinese are the inventors of all ; this 
ball rises in the air, by being lighter than th^ 
air it«elf : this paper, shaped like a bird, wi 
aNo rise, though heavier than the air, and aid 
ed by this balance at the bottom, will float over 
your heads, like a genuine member of th* 
feathered tribe, 

1st. Sol. That's a pretty flight of fancy, and 
as well bounc'd as a Chinese cracker : your'<^ 
is a nation noted for lyij^e'. 



Act n.] ^ secret Mi^ti, 2Q 

Dim. (^bowing) And your's for good manners- 
But here's something more in your own way, 
bows of my making, and arrows that will wound 
a heart at a mile's distance. 

.Soldiers. Oh ! !: oti ! ! ' 

Dim. Oh, oh I what» you think I draw a long 
bovv ; well, as the honour of my country is at 
stake, ril just show you how it's done^ and per- 
haps accomplish more than you expect- [He, 
shoots the arrow with letter lozvards ihe wiiidou.. 
of Ar ax as prison ; it falls on the terrace; at 
the instant, Sali enters mith guards. 

Sali. Hold — what means all this ? Guards, 
seize tliese traitorous spies — they have been 
communicating with the prisoner ; seize them, 
t say , and drag them before the Governor. (T/te// 
are dragged (ffV) Sali re-enters on the Terrace 
ncith guards, unlocks the Iron door, and Jlruxa 
enters from if. 

Sali. For a few moments only are you per- 
mitted to behold the retiring sun, 1 am grieved 
to say for the last time. [Exit Sali and guards. 

Ara. Few are the hours, indeed, that yet 
remain. Zaphyra ! Love ! shall I nut say fare- 
well ? may I not cla?p thee once more to my 
heart ? What's this ? a letter ! (takes up the 
letter which Dimdim had fired) All-gracious 
Allah! what do I behold! 'tis iVom herself! 
my wife! my dear Zaphyra! [Reach) ^' Fvt; 
happily escaped, and according to yourdirec- 
tion have found your countrymen. Abbas and 
others come to-night to rescue you — look ibr 
fires on the opposite hills, and then expect a 
boat under your window. The grating will fly- 
up, by pressing a stud, projecting on the riirht. 
One of your countrymen will risque his life for 



26 SECRET MINE. [Faucit. 

}'ou, by engaging the Centinel, while you lenp 
the platform ; Adieu, be firm. — Zaphyra." — 
Oh ! generous, kind Zaphyra ! gallant, noble 
countrymen ! which, which of my friends will 
sacrifice his life on this forlorn and desperate 
attempt ? Oh ! that I could prevent you, 
whoe'er 3'ou be, your Prince would gladly suf- 
fer ten thousand deaths ere you should spill 
one drop of blood for him. [Sali and 1st and 
2rl Soldier enter on the. Terrace — Araxa having 
concealed the letter, is reconducted to his prison, 
the Iron door of which is locked and the key taken 
away. 1st and 2d Soldier are left as centintls on 
the Terrace, a particular charge being given 
them {in action) by Scdi. It gradually becomes 
darker {during the above) and lights are seen at 
intervals on the distant hills, sometimes appearing^ 
and sometimes anszvered. by corresponding illu- 
minations, on opposite eminences. Aroxa appears 
at the grated 'windoYi), and during a momentary 
jiause in the music he says in a suppressed tone — 
'Tis sure the i'>romised signal, yes, those tires, 
and see — the boat approaches — sl)ould 1 lind 
the secret spring, 'lis here ! "ti* here! (rain.) 
Arnxa'^s grating flies up on his touching the 
spring, he cautiously pulls it to aqm'n. and seems 
to gaze earnestly on the boat which vow ap- 
proches under the Cheveaux de Frize. The Cen^ 
tinels mrtrching to and fro in the frtnt of the Ter- 
race. The person in the boat seizes an opportu- 
nty when their backs are turned and they are 
walking the opposte way, to climb vuffer the Che- 
veaux de Frize, get upon the terrace un' hide in 
one of the rude niches meant as recesses for the 
Centinels; the wind which has been gradually 



ACT II.] SECRET MINE. 27 

rising, now blows loufJly, and the boat is distinctly 
seen drifting away from the fool of the Fortj-ess. 

2d. Sol. 'Twere better take shelter, comrade, 
the rain falls heavy. I'll to my recess. 

1st. Sol. Our tire arms may be sooner hurt 
than we — deposit them in safety, and I've a 
cordial that will keep the water out, I warrant. 
[Listening to this, the person (who is Zaphyra in 
disguise^ comes from the recess, and hides 
behind a projection of the fortification, from 
whence she observes the boat now at some distance, 
she clasps her hands. 

Ara. (above) Imprudent friends, the boat 
leaves us and each dawn of hope goes with it. 

1st. Sol. What voice was that t [sol. listen. 

2d. Sol. The prisoner — he said his hopes 
were gone — I'll Iodide my musket, while you 
draw your pocket-pistol, that rare cordial yoa 
just now talked ot. [Pids his musket in the recess* 

list. Sol. '1 is read} , there I [puts his musket 
in the other recess, and produces a flask; zahile 
they drink, Zapkyra taken the musket out of the 
recess next to her, and throws it in the water. The 
Soldiers immediately turning that way she passes 
guickiy behind them and conceids herself in the 
further recess. Jlfier a pause, they speuK. 

\ St. Soldier. Hark! some one splashing in 
the water ; that couda't be the prisoner — he'* 
there safe at the window. 

2(i. Sol. 'Tis but the wave that breaks 
against the rock ; you're soon alarmed — take 
t'other draught, and give the flask to me ; you 
want courage, and I drink — 'twill cure us both. 
Zaphyra throws the other muskei over the Para 
jpet ; soldiers are alarmed. 



-S SECRET MINE. [Fauck. 

1st. Sol. A^ain ? there are some spies near ; 
let's fire, and alarm the Guard ; [runs to the 
I'ecess, and misses his piece,) how l our fire 
arms are removed. 

2d. Sol. O brave ! a soldier lose his musket ! 
Not here, not here, by AH ! You twitted me but 
now with half- forgotten grievances, and you've 
concealed my arms, for fear I should exact a 
soldier's satisfaction ; 'tis an act childish and 
cowardly ! 

1st. Sol. Your's is a speech of mean, unman- 
ly falsehood ; nay, come on, you'll only get this 
one way. [They draw their poignards^ and furi- 
ously seize each other ; during the struggle, 
Zaphyra beckons Ara.va, who descends ; in the 
mean time^ one of the Centinels having slain the 
other in fair combat, stands over him with his dag- 
ger raised, whom Araxa unexpectedly seizes, and 
after a momentary contest, precipitates him over 
the terrace into the water ; Zaphyra puts her 
finger to her lips, in token of silence ; Araxa 
takes her hand to thank her , and discovers his 
Zayhyra. 

Zap. {with much caution, and in a tone scarcely 
above a whisper, yet distinct,) hold — for our 
common safety's sake subdue those transports, 
and let us only think of your escape ; the boat 
is driven by the storm far oif, and yet the sig- 
nals are repeated from hill to hill ; could we 
ford the moat — it is not deep. [Drums heard in 
Me/or/r«ss) theguard is roused; Araxa — hus- 
band, for what are we reserved ! 'Tis thee ! 
thy blood they seek ; my father v\ill not harm 
his daughter ; fly ! o'erleap the -parapet, and 
^11 is safe. 



ACT II.] SECRET MINE. 2S 

Jra. Without thee, Zaphyra ? 

AbbiiS and Hindoos appeal ou the opposite platform, 
just as Araxa appears irresolute « hether lo quit Za- 
phyra, who in action urges him lo go. 

Ab. Hold, Rajah ! hold ; we come to your 
assistance. 

Ara. Then hasten, countrymen, or we are 
lost. 

A5. Onward, companions, 'tis to serve our 
Prince. 

Ttie Hinc'oos leap into the moat, and form a bridgft 
with the stem of a tree; Araxa desc« nds at one end, 
leading Zaphjra, Abba,s ascends from the otiier eAtre- 
mitj. , to meet and assist tliem. When the three arrive 
at the centre of the temporary bridge, a band ol Per- 
sians appear on the termce and the jjuns of the fort are 
tired ; the Persian sol iiers force Zaplivra from Araxa, 
who is about lo leap into the moat, and follow her 
amon^ his enemies, but is restrained by Abbas, anu by 
his direction forcibjy borne off by nis friends, V..'u 
all retreat with him. Zaphyra whose drapeiy paii;9^'y 
covers her face, is carried off by the soldiers of her 
father into the fo; t. J he scene then cloiCs. 

SCENE IL—A Hall in the Castle. 

Enter Ismael, ami Guards. 

Is7n. Let Assad be secured, and instant bring 
before us the traitorous spies, whom you sus- 
pect to have favoured the prisoner's escape.^ — 
[Guards go off and lefurn "with Zobeide and 
Dwidim.] Now shive:*, by wiiom set on, and 
wherefore did ye dare approach the fortress ? 

Dim. 1 came, potent Sir, to — to — get my hv- 
ing by the sale of a few toys to to 

Ism. Knew ye not 'twas death to do so ? 

Dnn. No, in truth. Sir ; I never knew it 
was death to get one's living. 

Ism. Peace ! — And how dare you ! 

Zob. I came, great Sir, to see how Dimdim 
would manage to make fiis way in the wf»rld. 



30 SECRET MINE. [Faiicit. 

Ism. Fool ! he shall die. 

Dim. 7^hen I have managed to make my way 
out of it ; but Zobeide, sir, I hope has done 
no harm — she has been very kind to me, and 
if her good nature should bring her to an un- 
timely end, I shall disappoint the city of a pub- 
lic spectacle, by dying of pure grief before my 
execution. 

Zob. Oh ! oh ! they shall hang us together, 
Dimdim ; then I shall take the long, long jour- 
ney with you ; we shall be united, and accor- 
ding to your Prophet, your wife will live with 
you as long as six thousand years. 

Di7n. Indeed ; now if we could but get out of 
this place, and jive together till we're three- 
score, it would suit my limited desires quite as 
we!l. 

hri. (^To an Officer^ Obey my orders ! their 
simplicity may be assumed. Let him be strictly 
confined, and let a guard keep a constant eye 
upon her. 

Dim. Ah, Sir! let me be'! that guard — I'll 
keep as constant an eye 

Ism. Silence ! Think not of her, but death — 
Away ! 

Dim. and Zob. exeunt guarded — Enter Sali. 

Sali. Dread sir ! the Hindoo youth, whose 
daring enterprise gave Araxa liberty, in one of 
the dungeons of the Castle, is guarded by the 
Amazon Camilla. 

Lwi. Bring me to him — I'll wring from him 
the Secret of the Mine, or torture shall inflict 
ray speedy vengeance. [Exeunt. 

SCENE 1 1 1 .—Dungeons of the Fortress. 

Zaplivra is seen in one of the Pris()ns, and the Ama- 
zon Camilla guarding her. Tiiey converse througli tlie 



AJCT II.] " SECRET MINE. 31 

gratin;^, and at length Camilla cautiously opens the door 
and Zaphyia Comes down ; they embrace 

Zap. Thanks, dear Camilla, friend of mj' 
earliest youth. Ah ! little do they know who 
placed thee here, how strict, how sacred is the 
union friendship forms hetween noble minds — 
My fleetest courser waits without the walls, 
with all that's needful for my journey — But can 
you unbar these doors ? Can you deceive the 
wary Nasrod, and my father ? 

Cam. Rely upon Camilla. 

Zap, Shall I, indeed, be freed ? Then, dear- 
est husband, 1 shall soon embrace thee. Rut 
say, Camilla, did he elude his numerous foes ? 
Was he not pursued, o'ertaken ? 

Cam. Allah preserve him ! 

Zap, He was 1 read it in your friirhtened 

looks ; my husband's slain 1 he's murdered — 
j>erhaps e'en now, his corse all njan^led by 
their barbarous hands, unpitied and unnoticed, 
he calls upon Ziiphyra to staunch his bleeding 
wounds, to close his languid eyes ! shall I not 
tly ? 'tis Araxa calls — I come, I come 1 [falls 
in the arjiis of Camilla . 

Cam. Quiet these vain alarms. 

Zap. (^reviving) Dear Camilla bear with my 
weakness ! these idle womanish fears suit not 
Araxa's consort, nor Camilla's friend : hence- 
forth they shall no more disgrace me. 
[A noise is heard at (he door, Camill », in great agita- 
tion motions for Zaphya to return int.» her cell. 
Ha ! my persecutors come ! On thee, Camilla, 
rest all my hopes of life and hajininess ! 
[Cam. hurries Zap. into the cell and takes her station 
at the door. 

Entjr IsiTiael. 

Ism. Where is this Hindoo prisoner ? Bring 
him before us. (Cam, opens the door and Za^. 



^2 SECRET MINE. [FaUCit. 

€omes forward^ her face hid.) A stripling too ! 
what savage deity of Hindoo worship, inspired 
thee, youth, to link thy fate with an adventur- 
er, who leaving thee to expiate his crimes, es- 
capes ti*iumphant, smiling at thy credulity. 

Zajj, Has he escaped ? has he indeed escap- 
ed ? then useless all disguise — my love, my 
I»ord, my dear Araxa lives ! and if Zaphyra mer- 
it death for the performance of her duty, let 
strictest justice point her awful sword, and re- 
signation to Heaven's will be mine ! 

Isnu Zaphyra ! unnatural girl, hence, from 
my sight I begone ! thy deceit and treachery, 
and the punishment which must follow, fulls not 
on thee alone, but on thy race. 

Zap. Nor deceit, or treachery e'er disgraced 
Zaphyra. A parent's mandate mnde me the 
consort of Araxa — Love for my husband made 
me the prisoner of my father. Duty to both 
has been the genuine impulse of my actions — 
And if love have tinged them with romantic 
hues, yet, let the motive [)lead a daughter's 
pardon, and gain extenuation for a wife. 

Ism. One way, and one alone remain*, Za- 
phyra, to regain a parent's love ; and still se- 
cure the safety of thy husband. 

Zap. Oh ! name it ! name it ! If death, if 
even absence from Araxa w II purchase his 
safety, and your pardon, joyfully will 1 sacrifice 
all my hopes of earthly bliss. 

Ism. Then u»e your induence to obtain the 
Secret of the Mine. 

Zap. Already known to me ; I know the secret 
entrance — the hidden paths — and at my word, 
each barrier 

Ism. Enough, enough! come to thy Father's 
irm*« ; you'll guide my troops to where 



ACT II.] SFCBET MINE. o3 

Zap. Hold I Father, hold; Araxa's confidence 
has taught me that if 'tis wrong a secret to dis- 
close, entrusted by a friend, how worthless were 
a wife ^vho could from selfish motives prove un- 
grateful, and basely sacrifice a husband's trust. 
Ismael expresses rajje and disappoiotmeot. 
Enter Nasrod. 

JVas. My Lord, a chief named Hyder has de- 
serted from the Hindoos, and offers you the clue 
to lead us to the Mine ; he ur£:es you with all 
dispatch to make a desperate effort, and storm 
the Hindoos in their secret entrance, which now 
they're fortifying. 

Is7n. Oh ! joy beyond my hopes ! Call out 
my whole force for the glorious enterprise. 
Degenerate girl ! I'll bring this traitor husband 
to a strict account : and, without his hated aid, 
obtain the long-sought prize. Confine her in 
Ihe cell, and yon, Camilla, answer ?ith your life 
for her security. (^Ca7)i. and Zap. go into the cell) 
Nasrod, till my return I charge you suffer not 
Zaphyra to pass these walls. Keep a watch- 
full eye upon Camilla too ; for well 1 know with 
warmest friendship she regards my daughter ; 
but on thee I can rely. Her smile hereafter, 
may reward your loyalty. 

JVas. Yes, I will guard her with an ea^le- 
eye ; no moie endure th€ cruel agony of seeing 
her Araxa's : were Camilla but removed, then 
would Zaphyra be wholly in my power ; on 
Nasrod she would turn her soft, beseeching 
looks, and bless with smiles her kind protector: 
it must be so — Camilla shall be dismissed — by 
Ismael's order too ; he said he doubted her, 
and will credit easily my charge 'gainst her fi- 
delity. What ho, Camilla! 



34 feECRET MINE. p^aUClt. 

[Zap. (as Cam.) unlock the grating and slouly comes 
forth. 

JVas. By Ismael's orders, I am Z;«phyra's 
Xjruard ; your services are no longer u anted ; 
{she refuses to resign her charge) nay then, force 
shall be entiplnyed to compel obedience ; {he 
stamps, a Guard enters) Guard ! conduct this 
traitress, who would connive af the prisoner's 
escape, without the Castle walls ; that done, 
resume thy post. 

During this speech, the Guard approaches to seize the 
supposed Camilla, she waves for him to proceed, and 
follows the Guard out of the prison. 

Now for some converse with my beauteous 

^charge ; 

He unlocks the g^'atifig, and loads forth Camilla — 
•when he discovers her, he star's witl» terror and amaze- 
ment. 

Camilla! perfidious traitress ! where is Za- 

ph\ ra ? 

Camilla with a triumphant smile paints to the door 
«f the prison. 

Bi^caped ? confusion ! it cannot be ; Guard, 
Guard ! 

(luard enters, Nas. goes into the dun.ieon. Cam. in- 
stantly fastens the door, and as she iwrriS. n^^ets the 
G" .)rd ; a f'.ombat ensues; she draws a i.stol, '-hoots 
hit!'., and escapes ; Guards enter, and bear olF tli«ir 
M'ounded comrade. 

SCENE IV. 

■ The outside of x\ic chief entrance to " The Secret 
Mine'* — rucJe, scraggy rocks, with thick tangling bush- 
es, and nnderw od. 
Zaphyra enff's 07 her Courser^ with her AmazotCs robe. 
Zap. Safely I've passed the tangled m.ize, 
guided by Araxa's clue. 'J'his should be the 
spot, the chiet entrance to the Secret Mine. 
How can 1 gain a<lraittance ? ii«nv :>.p|)rise Araxa 
of his (\ni\z^T 1 [Abbas and Hindoos enter and 
surround her. 



ACT II.] SECRET MINE. 36 

Ab. Down with this rash intruder! spare 
not the spy upon our secret haunts. 

Zap. Oh my Araxa ! save rne, save nie ! 'tis 
thy Zapbyra. [Shejtings off her Amazon s robe^ 
and appears as Zaphyra ; the upper part of the 
entrance opens, and discovers Araxa^ 

Ara. Hold, comrades ! harm not your 
Prince's consort. My wife ! my loved Zaphyra l 

Zap. Araxa, check your joy. Danger, im- 
me.liate danger threatens. The traitor, Hyder, 
leads through the secret path, Ismael, with all 
his power. They must be near at hand. They 
hope to surprise your force. 

Ara. Then are their hopes deceived. Our 

deiences are complete, we are prepared to meet 

them, and your presence will ensure us victory. 

Come, my Zajdiyra. Soldiers to 3^our ambush. 

[Distant Drum without. 

Zap. Hark ! 'lis their drum 'tis the ene- 
my. 

Ab. It is, it is the 6srce, vindictive foe ! See, 
they have forced the outer barriers, they have 
gained the secret pass and now, with Hyder at 
their head, they rush to storm this entrance. 

Ara. '^apiiyra, 'tis but for thee 1 fear. If 
not within the Mine, you are for ever lost. 

Zap One moment still is left, a; d for a cause 
like lhi>, Zaphyra's spirit rises superior to her 
sex's weakness. 

Enter Camilla. 

good Camilla, what tidings ? is my father and 
his arm}' near ? 

Carn. They are, lady. 

Zap. Quick, quick, Araxa! 

Ai'a. ow Soldiers form for your Queen an 
ascent to the Mine. 
She spurs lur horse, ascends the shields, aud estere 



3G SECRET Mi[^E [Faucit. 

the Mine. Araxa following at the moui^ of the Mine, 
stops and orders his officer to remain with his men t» 
surprise tht- enemy, he disappears, the mine closes, and 
all appears as before. {Drum 7iearei — voice without. — 
Halt! Halt! — ) Officer in action orders his men to 
form behind tlieir shields, they all cover themselves;. 
Hyder enters cautiously, followed by Ismael and In- 
fantry, and approaches the lower entrance of the mine ; 
on touching it, it opens, when the officer rushes on 
Hyder; the soldiers come from behind their shieldr-. 
and engage Ismael's Infantry, who a.re driven off; 
sheld men return shouting, and exeunt into the mine; 
Ismael and Hyder return with cavalry and artillery 
drawn by horses; they discharge them 'till a breach is 
made, by which they all enter, when in, a mine is 
sprung, and the whole sinks, flies, falls, and discovers 
SCENE V. 

The Mine as before, with such additions a? miy be 
supposed to have been constructed for its defe-nce. 

The two parties are discovered engaged. — After 
some fi«hting^on the stage they take to the platforms and 
then again to the stage ; while horse and foot are bat- 
tling on the flying bridge the cavalry again take to 
the platform, w1»en the artillery is levelled and di-- 
charged at those on the bridge, which breaks, and se- 
veral infantry and some horse fall on the stage. Hy iliis 
time Ismael's party have placed faggots under the 
middle bridge, which is seen an fire, while a party of 
horse are fighting on it — and with a horrid explosion, 
the bridge sinks with horses, i^c. 

Zaphyra is ii^een struggling wit!» Hyder, and a part of 
the mine falls, and brings IJyder to the ground : he 
recovers from the fall, and again pursues the Princess. 

Araxa on his horse enters, and seeing her danger, ho 
dismouiits, climbs up the ruins after Hyder, leaving his 
horse on the stage. Zaphyra is seen flying from llyder^ 
and followed by vVraxa. Hyder and Aiaxa meet. — 
Hyder is overcome, and flies pursued by Araxa. Tlic 
horse seeing the danger of Zaphyra, who is in the midst 
of the flames, gallops up the platform, 'till he reaches 
where she is — she jumps on his back, and he brings her 
down the platforms. During this Araxa has pursued 
Hyder up a staircase under which is a general fi^re. — 
The staircase gives way and both dinging to it, are 
borne on the stagc^. Araxa kills Hyder, &c, 

THE ENB.. 



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